The Oilers begin the new year against the Coyotes at 2 p.m. MT on Saturday. The game can be seen on Sportsnet West or heard on 630 CHED and the Oilers Radio Network.

EDMONTON, AB – A power play goal from Ryan Getzlaf in the first was the lone score of the game as John Gibson made 21 saves to shut out the Oilers 1-0.

“When we had our winning streak, we won a number of different ways and when we haven’t been winning, we’ve lost a number of different ways,” said Oilers Head Coach Todd McLellan. “We’re kind of all over the map right now. Tonight we lost to a team that really checked well and we couldn’t generate any offence.”

The Oilers have lost four straight and seven of their last eight, following a six-game win streak.

“We’ve just got to find our game again. I don’t think we’re playing horrible but we need to find an extra level that will push us over the edge,” said Oilers winger Jordan Eberle.

Following a Taylor Hall slashing penalty, the Oilers found themselves down 1-0 as the Ducks capitalized on their first man advantage of the night. Corey Perry set up Getzlaf in front and he backhanded a shot past Cam Talbot at 11:57 of the first.

The Oilers nearly tied the game on a power play of their own just a few minutes later. Anton Lander set Hall up in front but his shot was turned away by Gibson.

Cam Talbot made a phenomenal glove save at 15:24 of the second period to keep it a one-goal game. The Oilers netminder robbed Sami Vatanen following a flurry on the home team’s net.

“He played really well, which was nice to see him bounce back and respond with a couple really good saves. We’re happy for him,” said Oilers Head Coach Todd McLellan.

Talbot stopped Patrick Maroon on a 3-on-2 rush midway through the third, continuing his strong game.

As impressive as Talbot was on one end, Gibson was as solid as he had to be. The Ducks netminder didn’t have nearly the volume as Talbot, but he turned away all 21 shots. Tonight marked back-to-back shutouts for Gibson, who stopped 14 shots on Tuesday in Calgary.

Talbot finished the game with 34 saves.

“I think they did a great job of keeping us in our own zone,” said Oilers defenceman Brandon Davidson. “We kept them to the outside for the most part, but their transition game was good and they kept us hemmed in. It would have been nice to get a few more opportunities and loose pucks were laying around their net too. It’s just the way it goes sometimes.”